Ghana $200-million parliament project sparks outcry

Cultural figures and civil society have spearheaded a major online campaign under the banner #DropThatChamber, arguing the West African nation has more pressing needs.

"It's completely unnecessary. The hospitals lack basic logistics to work with. There are a lot of dilapidated schools across the country and we are thinking of using $200 million (180 million euros) on a new chamber," movie producer Leila Djansi, who has led the drive, told AFP.

"Enough is enough. They don't care about the bad roads. They don't care about us. We will protest this. Everyone should come out and protest," she added.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu said the project -- which officials say is funded by a loan from the Indian government -- was necessary as the existing 275-seater facility was too small. 

"We can't say that until we satisfy the basic human needs this is luxurious. This has been long overdue. The current chamber lacks space," he told AFP.

"We are sensitive to the needs of Ghanaians but this will also make the work of parliamentarians quite easier. I think the problem is the majority of the people do not have the facts about this project."

He said the government would not force through the project and "may have to shelve the idea if the majority of Ghanaians are against it".

Those behind the online campaign have called for a demonstration in the capital Accra on July 13. 

Ghana was one of Africa's fastest growing economies in 2018, fuelled by a surge in oil and gas production. The former British colony is also a major producer of gold and cocoa.

The World Bank says GDP per capita last year stood at just over $2,200 and that the country had slashed those living under the poverty rate of $1.9 per day to some 13 percent by 2016. 

Ghana -- one of the most stable democracies on the continent -- will hold presidential elections late next year that look set to see former leader John Mahama take on incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo.